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George Didden Obituary

DIDDEN GEORGE A. DIDDEN, III On Friday, December 21, 2007, at his residence in Chevy Chase, MD. Beloved husband of Kathryn Hogan Didden; devoted father of Damian George Didden (Ann), Kathryn E. Didden and Amanda Didden Edwards (Mark); brother of Dorothee Riederer, James, Richard and Donald Didden; grandfather of Clare and Caroline Didden. Friends may call on Wednesday, December 26, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Western Ave at Quesada St. N.W., where Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, December 27 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Capitol Hill Community Foundation, 419 East Capitol St. S.E., Washington, DC 20003. Arrangements by DeVOL FUNERAL HOME.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from Dec. 22 to Dec. 23, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for George Didden

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Fred Faherty

May 13, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy and the family. Sonny was my roommate at Boston College for 3 years and we shared many great times!
Fred Faherty BC '67

Dennis Bourgault

March 11, 2008

While nearly three months have gone by since George's passing, I still have a hard time believing it... His email address is still in my contacts and his phone numbers are in my cell phone....

George was such an unique and inspiring individual. While I have met many community activists over the years on Capitol Hill, none can equal George. His dedication, encourgement, and self-less giving were unparalleled. He truly spent countless hours working for community organizatioins -- CHAMPS, the Foundation, the BID, Barracks Row, and so many others. When help was needed, he rarely said no.

When it came to business, while the Bank had a reputation for conservative lending, George always tried to make it work for his customers, offering advice and support where others would just say no. He took a genuine interest in his customers and truly enjoyed to see and celebrate their successes. I think this really separated him from his peers -- he showed real and honest enthusiasm and interest in seeing his customers succeed. He became both a mentor and a friend.

I don't know if Capitol Hill will ever be blessed with another leader like George. Like the film "It's a Wonderful Life," it's hard to imagine where the Hill would be now if George Didden, like George Bailey in the movie, had not been there to support us and work for the common good. We, and countless other businesses and individuals like us, owe more than we can ever repay to George. He loved the Hill and is sorely missed.

Alvin Katz

January 27, 2008

I've had the sincere pleasure of knowing George for almost 40 years and have always held him in the highest esteem and regard. George was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest sympathy to the entire family. We know the family as well as all who know George will always have him in our thoughts in a positive and loving fashion.

Dale Lowery

January 26, 2008

Taken too soon from a life he clearly loved, George's departure deprives all of us of his kind wisdoms. Inadequate though they are, I extend my condolences to Cathy and the rest of the Didden family.

Elizabeth Ricker

January 25, 2008

A star has been dedicated in George's name with the international registry under the name of (Didden3) so when you look into the constillation of the Big Dipper remember that Didden3 is there sparkling in all its glory. God Bless you all!

William Rouchell

January 24, 2008

Whenever I ran into George he was always interested in how my Bed and Breakfast was doing. His first question was always, "How's business"? With all of his community involvement I often wondered when he had time to run the bank. His knowledge of Capitol Hill was unbelieveable. Like so many I will miss him so much.

Bill McLeod

January 23, 2008

Having worked closely with George for 4.5 years, I can attest that I’ve never worked with anyone as focused and compassionate about community development. George made deals happen, neighborhoods improve, and changed the lives of so many. I was shocked and saddened to hear about his passing, but I know his legacy will live on through all the lives he touched.

Gail Paster

January 23, 2008

We at the Folger are greatly saddened by the loss of our dear friend, supporter, and board member George Didden. We relied on his integrity, his wisdom, his financial acumen, and his great knowledge of Washington cultural institutions. We will miss him greatly as a friend and as a counselor, and send our deep sympathies to the entire Didden family.

Linda Parke Gallagher

January 23, 2008

Kathy and all the Didden family know how respected and loved George was by the Capitol Hill community and all who knew him. I so admire Kathy's strength and love for him, which he returned in full measure. In sickness and in health, their bond was also inspirational. George did not go through life alone. He will be remembered by all of us, but most especially, by his family and wife of 38 years. May we all rest in the peace accorded to him.

Phillip Truluck

January 23, 2008

George was one of the first people I met when I moved to Washington in 1971. National Capital was my first bank and will be my last bank. I never met with George where I didn't come away with a new appreciation for his insights and his intellect. We certainly had wonderful conversations about politics, the economy, children and vacation spots. George accomplished more in his way too short life than most of us could hope for in two or three lifetimes. Gosh, I will miss him. My best to Kathy and the "kids". With love, Phil Truluck

Jim Buckley

January 11, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. George always treated our family and our business with repect and genuine concern. We will miss him.

Daniel Studnicky

January 7, 2008

George was a great inspiration to many. As chairman of the board of Friends of the National Zoo during the late '80s and early '90s, he demonstrated devotion to mission, clarity of vision, and strength of character. I learned much from him. Kathy and the children have my deepest condolences. Respectfully,

Jim Aylor

January 3, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out to George's wife and family. I was a classmate of George's at St. Johns's and will always fondly remember him--a great guy and family man. Truly sorry I was out of town last week.

Tina-Louise Bolton

December 29, 2007

I am very sad to learn about Sonny. My thoughts and prayers are with the Didden family. May he live on in the hearts of those who love him.

Bill Didden

December 28, 2007

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Kathy, you have my number, anytime, anything, and I'll be there! Uncle Sonny, I will live my life better and with a greater passion in your honor.
I love you always,
Bill Didden

Sandra Malone

December 28, 2007

Stephen, Valerie and I offer our deepest sympathy for your loss. We are the children of Kenneth Malone, who worked at the National Capital Bank for many years until his death and knew all of the 'Didden Boys'.

Flo Betz

December 27, 2007

He is at peace !
With much love to Kathy, Damian (Ann), Katy, and Amanda (Mark).
Cousins Flo, Peg and Bud

Bridgette Cline

December 27, 2007

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Holly Ross

December 26, 2007

I was very sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts are with you.

Cathy Hotka

December 26, 2007

Love you, Sonny. You'll always be my cousin. Love you, Cathy

Mary Beyda

December 26, 2007

Our hearts are broken for Kathy, Damian, Katie, and Amanda, but especially for Sonny, who
so enjoyed life.
Mary and Joseph Beyda

Kathryn O'Donnell

December 26, 2007

The O'Donnell family is thinking of you. Our memories of George are of kindness and helpfulness. Hold on to all your great memories.
Kathryn Holly and Brendan

Arlene Perkins

December 26, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Didden family in this, your hour of grief. We each have fond memories of Sonny. May your memories bring you comfort and warmth. He will always be remembered as a very kind gentleman.

From: Mrs. Arlene Perkins & Sons (Garry & Allan)

Donna Scheeder

December 26, 2007

George was truly a "town father" of Capitol Hill. He will be remembered by all of the many people whose lives he touched with his support, encouragement and kindness. I will truly miss him.

Rebecca Bennett

December 26, 2007

I was so sorry to hear of Sonny's death. I remember him well from the 1970-80's when we were all so young and starting our married lives. He was a lovely man and always so proud of his family. I know he will be remembered by all for his kind spirit.
Thinking of you,
Becky Bennett
(Mother of Matt & Jaime Wolfe)

Bob Bolton

December 26, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family at this difficult time. May you all be comforted knowing that George lived life fully and helped so many people along the way.

Shirley Doyle

December 26, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Elizabeth Ricker

December 24, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

December 24, 2007

John Cook

December 23, 2007

We in L'Arche are praying for you all.

Susan Algeo

December 23, 2007

Damian,
Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
I remember you/your family well from my teaching days at Annunciation. Our prayers are with you.
Very fondly,
Susan (Cramer) and Michael Algeo

Patty Brosmer

December 23, 2007

Our dear George’s passing certainly leaves Capitol Hill a sad place, but it’s a much richer place for everyone because we were fortunate to have him for the time we did. The Hill will forever be alive with the spirit and good works of George Didden.

Robert Didden

December 23, 2007

...... and hold you in the palm of His hand.
Requiescant in pace cousin George.

Clare Cumberland

December 22, 2007

He soars on the wings of eagles, Love from all of us, Clare, Bill, Lisa, John, Joe, Sam, T.J., Martha, Phoenix, Kara, David and Max

Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results

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